AIR FREIGHT MARKET UPDATE

The (recently resolved) government shutdown has showed signs of impacting the air freight market. TSA employees are turning to absenteeism to show their dissatisfaction with their status, and a lawsuit has been filed by air traffic controllers as well. As a result, personnel shortage may impact the ability of flights and cargo to move as smoothly as shippers are accustomed to.

Despite a rush to ship goods prior to Chinese New Year, the air freight market out of Asia remains reasonably flat. Carriers may turn to higher rates during future shipping peaks in order to recover losses experienced during the lull periods.